ABB wins $20 million FPSO order

Leave a reply

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has been awarded an oil and gas contract worth $20 million for providing power and automation technologies to a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) built by the Chinese shipyard COSCO Nantong for Dana Petroleum. The contract was signed in the second quarter of 2013. ABB's delivery will contribute to efficient and safe operations, and reliable power distribution on board. The FPSO will have Sevan Marine's characteristic cylindrical design and will be located on the Western Isles field on the UK Continental Shelf, 160 kilometres east of the Shetland Islands.

“Being the first power and automation contract for a floating production unit awarded from a shipyard in China, this is a milestone for ABB. Our integrated and compact solutions are ideal for floating production units and this technology enables us to get a foothold in many more markets”, said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, Head of ABB’s Process Automation division.

ABB's automation delivery comprises safety and automation systems (SAS), information management system (IMS), condition monitoring system (CMS) and operator training system (OTS). Most of the power equipment is designed into an integrated and compact concept, including 11 kilovolt and 690 kilovolt switchgear, transformers, high voltage and low voltage variable speed drives and uninterruptible power supply (UPS). ABB will deliver 16 different telecommunications systems, among them public address system, entertainment, meteorological and a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). ABB is also responsible for design, engineering, installation, commissioning and project management.

Dana Petroleum plc is the operator of the Western Isles project, owning 77% and Cieco the remaining 23%. Dana, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), is an international oil and gas business with operations in the UK, Egypt, Norway, the Netherlands and Africa, producing 60,000 barrels of oil a day.

The FPSO will be tied to subsea installations on 170 meters depth on the Harris and Barra offshore fields. The production is planned with at least five production and four water injection wells and will start in 2015, with an expected output of 40,000 barrels of oil per day, exported through shuttle tankers.

Source: ABB

SKF wins service orders for over SEK 200 million in Latin America

Leave a reply

SKF has recently won a number of long-term contracts to provide companies in Latin America with services ranging from machine lubrication to condition monitoring.

“Maintenance costs are a large part of the total cost of ownership. What we provide for these customers is SKF’s knowledge of their industry and the application of this knowledge to improve their productivity and increase the asset life cycle of their equipment,” says Wim Stam, Latin American Regional Director for SKF Industrial Market, Regional Sales and Service.

One of these, a five-year contract worth SEK 115 million, will see SKF deliver maintenance services to one of Brazil’s largest metal producers. As part of the performance-based contract, SKF will inspect and monitor the condition of its customers’ machines to anticipate potential issues and prevent defects from occurring.

Another contract is a four-year lubrication service contract worth SEK 55 million in Peru, where SKF will supply lubrication tools to one of the world’s biggest copper producers. SKF will plan, schedule, execute and manage the lubrication of the customer’s mine equipment, including trucks, shovels and drills; and also its concentrator plant equipment, including conveyor belts, crushers, ball mills and flotation cells.

In Chile, SKF has signed a SEK 34 million technology contract for a major copper producer. The project will focus on monitoring the condition of the customer’s critical mining equipment in its concentrator and roasting plant. SKF will provide products, specialised detailed engineering services, project installation and supervision.

Added to this, SKF recently secured a five-year contract worth SEK 10 million with a packaging solutions company in Ecuador. SKF’s asset management services for the customer will include planning and improving maintenance strategy, and performing maintenance work, including lubrication management, on an ongoing basis.

Source: SKF

Schaeffler Fully integrated linear actuator and rolling bearing units designed for solar tracking systems

Leave a reply

Photovoltaic (PV), concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) systems operate more efficiently when their mirrors, collectors and PV modules accurately track the course of the sun during the day. The more precise and trouble-free these systems are, the more efficient and profitable the solar power plants operate.

By offering its linear actuator and bearings for swivel drives as a complete system, Schaeffler has taken another step towards the full integration of precision solar tracking systems for azimuth and elevation axes.

The linear actuator responsible for stroke movements in the elevation axis was custom designed to withstand the harsh operating conditions typically found in solar power plants. The linear actuator is designed for dynamic loads of up to 5kN and static loads of up to 15kN. The actuator can reach a stroke travel of up to 1,000mm at a stroke speed of 5 mm/s.

The complete mechatronics system comprises the rolling bearings for the individual bearing positions, screw drive spindle and spindle nut, extension tube, compact housing with cover, seal, drive technology (motor and gearbox unit), the sensors, and rod end for connecting the actuator. The innovative design and high flexibility of the unit allow the stroke length and mounting to be matched precisely to individual customer requirements.

The linear actuator can operate in high temperatures and is protected from dust, sand, wind and rain. Due to an encapsulated housing, a reduced number of fully-sealed joints, as well as an integrated motor, gearbox unit and entire drive technology, the linear actuator is able to operate maintenance-free. The sealing components provide the actuator with an IP66 protection rating, which prevents the ingress of contaminants such as water and sand. With its low-maintenance requirements and bearing supports, the linear actuator provides an operating life of up to 25 years.

The high precision axes ensure that the solar power plants generate optimum power output on a continuous basis. Schaeffler’s linear actuator concept can also be adapted for use in other sectors or applications depending on the technical and geometrical requirements.

Bearings for precision swivel motion

Schaeffler’s AXS angular contact rolling bearings and FAG X-life tapered roller bearings support the swivel drives that adjust the azimuth axis. These bearings have a high load carrying capacity and can be set clearance-free. This is an important prerequisite for high rigidity and positioning accuracy and therefore the efficiency of the entire tracking system.

The AXS series of rolling bearings have cylindrical rollers and raceways that are arranged at an angle to the bearing axis. The roller and cage assemblies comprise cylindrical rollers that are snapped into high-rigidity plastic cages with very close spacing. This means that high load ratings are achieved. A special feature of the AXS series are the conical bearing rings. These are manufactured using forming methods, making them cost-effective. In addition, turned bearing seats are sufficient for supporting the bearing rings. This reduces the cost of adjacent components.

Source: Schaeffler UK

Schaeffler – Manual Mounting and Dismounting of Rolling Bearings.

Leave a reply

Rolling bearings are heavy-duty machine elements with high-precision components. In order to fully utilize their capacity, the design engineer must select the right bearing type and design and match the bearing properties to those of the mating components. Mounting and dismounting, lubrication, sealing and maintenance must also be given special attention. Appropriate means for mounting and dismounting of rolling bearings as well as utmost cleanliness and care at the assembly site are necessary in order to enable the bearings to reach a long service life.

This publication is intended to inform bearing servicemen and maintenancemen on handling, mounting and dismounting, lubrication and maintenance of rolling bearings. A special chapter deals with bearing failures and their causes. The tables in the annex specify bearing numbers, tolerances of bearings and their mating components, bearing clearance and FAG rolling bearing greases Arcanol. For information on special mounting and dismounting tools and methods and on measuring instruments, further publications are available. Bearing mounting problems beyond the scope of this publication should be referred to our Engineering Service.

Pages: 116
Format: DIN A-4

Source: Schaeffler

Manual Link: Manual Mounting and Dismounting of Rolling Bearings.

The Gates Corporation Releases New Aftermarket Parts

Leave a reply

DENVER, Colo. – The Gates Corporation, a global, diversified manufacturer of industrial, automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket products, recently announced the addition of 128 new part numbers covering late model vehicles to its line of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality aftermarket products. The product release also includes the new PolarSeal® II Clamp Assortment and PolarSeal II Male Flareless Assemblies for A/C repair, and the DriveAlign® HD Tensioner for DD Series Engines.

Highlights of the Gates new number announcement include:

* 25 new coolant hose SKUs, bringing the total number available to 4,281
* 19 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) assembly additions for a total of 27 SKUs
* Nine additional DriveAlign® tensioners/pulleys for a total of 522 SKUs
* 22 new GlobalSpiral™ high-pressure couplings for 132 total SKUs
* Nine new Micro-V AT®, Stretch Fit® and FleetRunner® belts totaling 1,534 SKUs
* 24 new Micro-V® Accessory Belt Drive Kits for import applications
* Eight new PolarSeal® Couplings
* Two new automotive and two new heavy-duty water pumps
* Two new Gates products facilitate easy A/C repair. The PolarSeal® II Clamp Assortment includes tools needed to make A/C barrier hose assemblies in the field or in the shop without heavy crimping equipment. With eight new compression fittings, Gates PolarSeal® II Male Flareless Assemblies cover a wide range of tube/hose assemblies, reducing multiple inventory needs. The assemblies allow for flexibility in A/C repair as they can be mounted to existing tubing, eliminating the need for a new tube/hose assembly.

“We are excited about the expansion of our aftermarket product lines, especially our new PolarSeal II offerings, which are coming out just in time for the busy A/C season,” said Tom Trojan, Gates Product Marketing Manager.

In addition, Gates introduces the DriveAlign® HD Tensioner for DD Series engines installed in popular Freightliner and Western Star models, covering over 45,000 VIO. Fleet-tested to over 400,000 miles, the tensioner is an advanced, drop-in solution that lasts longer than the OE equivalent so fleet managers avoid unnecessary maintenance and lower their cost per mile.

Lastly, the release also includes a set of professional-grade hose clamp pliers for easy radiator hose installation and repair and DEF Hotline™ SCR Hose Assemblies covering heavy-duty vehicles like Kenworth and Peterbilt.

Source: Gates

SKF signs SEK 900 million long-term contract with Turbomeca.

Leave a reply

SKF has signed a long-term contract for around SEK 900 million with Turbomeca, a division of the French-based Safran. The contract includes the supply of bearings for the latest Turbomeca engine, Arrano.

“The bearings used within a helicopter engine are key components that contribute to reduced wear, increased longevity and overall engine performance. SKF is proud to gain this business which is a clear sign of new confidence demonstrated by Turbomeca and will strengthen our partnership”,says Stephane Le-Mounier, Director SKF Aerospace.

“We are pleased to sign this contract with SKF, which is positioned as a partner in the field of innovation, as well as operational performance. This contract exemplifies our strategy to identify key suppliers, to involve them in advanced developments and as a result get a long term commitment”, says Olivier Andriès, CEO for Turbomeca.

The new Arrano, 1 100 HP engine is designed to equip four to six ton helicopters. It will offer 10 to 15 per cent lower fuel consumption, contributing to improved performance (range and payload) and reduced environmental footprint.

SKF Aerospace provides highly engineered, customized solutions to aircraft, helicopter, engine, and system manufacturers, including main-shaft and transmission bearings, seals and precision elastomeric devices.

Source: SKF

Kaman Constructing New Bearing Manufacturing Facility in Hochstadt, Germany

Leave a reply

Kaman Specialty Bearings & Engineered Products announced this week at the 50th International Paris the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Höchstadt, Germany to support strong continued growth and strategic objectives. The new facility is being built to accommodate Kaman's RWG business, which has continued to experience significant growth in the European aerospace markets as well as in new, emerging markets around the globe. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will support Kaman's commitment to operational excellence and will double the company's capacity by replacing an existing facility in Dachsbach, Germany. The Höchstadt facility is expected to be fully operational in 2014.

RWG is a business unit in the Kaman Specialty Bearings and Engineered Products division of Kaman Aerospace Group. RWG designs and manufactures flight critical parts for aircraft including bushings, metal to metal sphericals, self-lubricating bearings (Fraslip), and rolling element bearings. RWG has built a strong reputation for custom engineering and high quality standard bearings for the most demanding aerospace applications.

Source: Avionics Intelligence

NTN – EV Demonstration Project of Microcompact EV Equipped with the In-wheel Motor in France

Leave a reply

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has started a demonstration project of the microcompact EV equipped with NTN's own “In-wheel Motor System” on public roads in collaboration with Annecy City in France.

NTN had been using a compact EV in Annecy City for transportation within NTN-SNR business sites and between plants, as well as for customer test drives. The newly developed microcompact EV “TOO'in”^*1 was delivered to Annecy City for use as an official vehicle, and will take part in a public road social demonstration project on a larger scale for one year.

The “TOO'in” microcompact EV used for the social demonstration project is a two-seater vehicle equipped with the “In-wheel Motor System for Compact EVs” developed by NTN, which has a maximum speed of 75 km/h. The body was produced by vehicle manufacturer Lazareth (based in Annecy), and has already been registered as an “L7e”^*2 category vehicle, the official standard for electric microcars in Europe. This is the first demonstration test in the world of a microcompact EV equipped with the in-wheel motor as a registered vehicle conducted on public roads.

The “TOO'in” microcompact EV was unveiled at the opening event of the “Annecy International Animated Film Festival” held on June 10, and was used for transportation and deliveries between various venues during the event. As the official Annecy city vehicle, the “TOO'in” will be used for transportation between related facilities as well as for deliveries.

NTN has utilized the technology it has gained through research and development into bearings, as well as maximized the strength of the world's No. 1 share in hub bearings to advance development of the In-wheel Motor System and other system products for next-generation vehicles such as EVs and environmentally friendly vehicles. In Japan, NTN led a social demonstration test of a converted EV in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is also planning a demonstration project for electric commuters for the “Ultra-compact Mobility Certification System” that was established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism this year.

Conducting a demonstration project in Europe, where development and business plans for next-generation vehicles are more advanced, will help accelerate development of cutting-edge technology designed for the commercialization of EV system products, while also increasing the number of activities designed to popularize the microcompact mobility more quickly.

*1	:	TwO in-wheel mOtor inside, referring to the two In-wheel Motor systems installed. Too includes the meaning of Town, while in includes the meaning of Innovation.
*2	:	The standard for electric microcars in Europe, with features including a maximum power output of 15 kW (approximately 20ps)

Annecy Mayor Rigaut on a test drive

The “TOO'in” unveiled at the “Annecy International

Animated Film Festival.” Mayor Rigaut (2nd from left)

at the unveiling ceremony held at the city hall

[ Reference: the In-wheel Motor ]

The In-wheel Motor system features a motor mounted directly within the wheel, which drastically allows more effective use of interior space and greater design flexibility. The “In-wheel Motor System for Compact EVs” developed by NTN is an EV system product that has been reduced to such a size and weight that the hub bearing, reducer and motor that make up the in-wheel motor have been mounted within the wheel, and includes a control system consisting of an inverter.

Compact EVs equipped with the in-wheel motor system are expected to play a major role in local communities as a simple model of transport as they are ideal for driving short distances, including shopping, commuting or driving to tourist spots, and are easy to get in and out of, which means that are suited to users of advanced age.

[ Reference: the In-wheel Motor System and the Demonstration Project Vehicle ]

Features of the In-wheel Motor System for Compact EVs
-Effective use of free space and greater design flexibility-

(1)	Compact in-wheel motor module A thin hub bearing has been used, allowing it to be mounted within the wheel.
(2)	Drivetrain integrated into a systemized unit Drive motor, reducer, hub bearing, and control system (including inverter)
(3)	Independent control of drive power to left and right wheels

In-wheel Motor System for Compact EVs

The microcompact EV “TOO'in”

Length	2.85m
Width	1.425m
Weight	398kg(excluding battery)
Maximum speed	75km/h
Maximum power output	4kW×2
Drive system	Two rear wheel drive(In-wheel Motor)

Source: NTN

New bearing test rig for medium sized bearings at NKE Austria

Leave a reply

NKE Austria GmbH has finished the commissioning of a new test rig for medium sized rolling bearings. To illustrate the size of the test setup, Austrian bearing manufacturer NKE exhibited the test rig’s shaft complete with test bearings at this year’s Hannover Fair, before installing it in the new test rig. With the radial-axial test rig RAX380 for bearings with an outer diameter of up to 380 mm NKE is now capable of testing the running characteristics of bearings under varying test conditions and loads, speeds, lubrication conditions and temperatures. The new rig will be used to test standard bearings as well as custom and application-specific bearings.

At its headquarters in Steyr NKE operates its own test centre, which, in addition to the new RAX380 test rig for bearings of up to 380 mm, houses an RAX160 rig for testing bearings with up to 160 mm outer diameter. The test rigs yield valuable data about the tested bearings, such as their operating characteristics, wear and frictional behaviour and noise generation. In addition they allow to test the service life under the set operating conditions.

At its Steyr factory NKE manufactures components for bearings from 200 mm to 800 mm diameter. The quality and geometry of each component are tested both during and after production. Once assembled, bearing samples are subjected to function testing on the test rigs to determine their running characteristics and the interplay of their components. The running characteristics are mapped under defined load conditions with various radial and axial forces, speeds, lubricant temperatures and lubricant flow rates applied at each load level. Measured are the total frictional torque, vibration and the temperature rise on inner and outer race. “Although we calculate the running characteristics of every bearing design, testing is important to verify that our predictions are correct”, explains Thomas Langer, Development and Testing Manager at NKE. “This helps us optimize our simulation and design process and ensure the bearings’ trouble-free operation for our customers. Furthermore vibration cannot be calculated in advance; its measurement on the final product is therefore especially important.”

In addition, the test rig is used for durability testing under operating conditions: “These long-term tests can be run at constant load or with variable load levels”, explains Thomas Langer. “To obtain statistically significant results at least five test runs under the same conditions are required. Because each of these test runs can take more than a thousand hours, durability testing with only one test rig can never be a routine operation.”

For technical calculation of bearings all available resources are used, as Thomas Langer explains: “At NKE we use software guaranteeing that we adhere to the calculation methods defined in the applicable DIN ISO standards and by certification body Germanischer Lloyd. As member of German research association Forschungsvereinigung Antriebstechnik e.V., NKE will also have the opportunity to use Workbench. Applications like Mathcad, Minitab and FAMOS are available for test planning and measurement analysis.”

In addition to the new and existing test rigs for bearings with an outer diameter of up to 380 mm and 160 mm respectively, NKE’s test centre boasts a range of other equipment for materials, dimensional and function testing: spectrometers and hardness testers for material testing, height gauge, form and roughness gauges, a 3D CNC measuring machine, roundness and surface testers, a dimension measuring station for large bearings as well as vibration and noise testing equipment. “All NKE bearings undergo stringent, documented quality inspections at our headquarters in Steyr. Through the use of our test and measuring resources in combination with a rigorous quality policy we can guarantee that every single bearing we deliver meets the highest quality standards”, explains Harald Zerobin, Technical Managing Director at NKE. “To supplement our own inspection and test resources we also instruct external laboratories with regular and special inspection and testing. With the new test rig we can now run larger bearings under harsh operating conditions to determine their operating characteristics and demonstrate to our customers that they have made the right choice with bearings from NKE.”

Source: NKE

ABB wins $100 million oil and gas order in Algeria

Leave a reply

EPC contract for a new liquefied petroleum gas pumping station

Zurich, Switzerland, June 19, 2013 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pumping station in the Hassi Messaoud District to increase the capacity of LR1 pipeline in Algeria. The contract was awarded by Sonatrach, Algeria’s oil and gas company, and is valued at $100 million. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2012. The new pumping station is part of an expansion project to add a second LPG pipeline between Haoud El Hamra and Hassi R’Mel in order to boost pipeline transportation capacity from 4.5 million tons a year to 11 million tons a year. Hassi R’Mel is Algeria’s largest gas field and the hub of the country’s natural gas transport network. From Hassi R’Mel the gas is transported by pipeline to terminals on the Mediterranean coast for export to Europe or for processing into liquefied natural gas.

ABB is responsible for design, engineering, procurement, commissioning and start-up. Construction and installation will be performed by, Sarpi, a 50% Joint Venture company owned by ABB and Sonatrach.

ABB will also supply a complete LPG pumping station including all the electrical, piping and mechanical equipment. The solution encompasses a broad range of ABB power and automation products and systems including switchgear, transformers, motors, variable speed drive systems, instrumentation, distributed control and safety systems, as well as a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for the new 400 km pipeline. The plant is scheduled for completion by March 2015.

“This contract confirms ABB’s capabilities to execute EPC projects for the oil and gas industry and underlines once again our strong relationship with Sonatrach in Algeria," said Enrico Di Maria ABB’s Region and Local Process Automation division Manager. "This ongoing cooperation indicates that ABB is going in the right direction – coupling new technologies with local expertise to make our customers more competitive.”

ABB has a long and successful track record for oil and gas plants in Algeria. Other EPC projects that ABB is currently executing in Algeria include the field infrastructure for the El Merk oil and gas fields, a contract worth $650 million and one of the largest EPC contracts in ABB’s history, a gas flaring elimination project at Haoud Berkaoui, and the delivery of utilities, storage and export facilities for the central processing plant at Menzel Ledjmet East in the Berkine Basin.

Source: ABB

Timken Helps Develop Test Center For Giant Bearings

Leave a reply

The Timken Co., a provider of bearings and other products for the wind energy and industrial industries, and Stark State College have collaborated to develop a new Technology and Test Center on the college's campus in North Canton, Ohio.

According to Timken, the $14 million center tests ultra-large bearing systems that can be up to 13 feet in outside diameter on equipment capable of simulating harsh operating conditions similar to those found in large multi-megawatt wind turbines. The company expects the new facility to help shorten development cycles and improve the reliability and cost-effectiveness of these large rotating systems for industries, including the wind power sector.

The test center also houses a classroom/lab for training Stark State students in electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as offers programs in alternative energy. Stark State offers associate degrees and one-year and short-term certificates in those energy programs.

Source: nawindpower

Schaeffler to Cut Wheel Bearing Production in Germany

Leave a reply

Schaeffler AG, the biggest shareholder in car-parts maker Continental AG (CON), will phase out production of wheel bearings at a German factory, eliminating 576 jobs because of high costs and tough competition.

Manufacturing of the components at a plant in Schweinfurt will wind down over the next two to three years, Marcus Brans, a spokesman for the Herzogenaurach, Germany-based company, said today by phone. The move comes after the company didn’t win new orders for the parts, he said.

Schaeffler is keen to maintain profit margins as it explores options to ease the debt burden stemming from its investment in Continental. The company reported an 11 percent drop in first-quarter earnings on weaker demand for industrial goods. Net debt amounted to 6.8 billion euros.

Schaeffler will maintain 300 jobs at the site. The company will try to avoid firings and will offer early retirement packages, Brans said. Negotiations with the unions have started. The manufacturer employs about 29,000 people in Germany, about 38 percent of its global workforce.

DPA-AFX reported earlier on the shutdown at the site.

Source: Bloomberg

SKF awarded significant contract from Volvo Car Corporation

Leave a reply

SKF to deliver wheel hub bearing units for Volvo’s next generation of premium vehicles

Gothenburg, Sweden, 13 June, 2013: SKF has been awarded a contract to supply their next generation wheel hub bearing units (HBU3) to Volvo Car Corporation. SKF will supply the HBU3 specifically developed according to Volvo’s demanding technical specification for their scalable product architecture (SPA).

“We are delighted to have been awarded the largest contract ever received by SKF from Volvo Car Corporation. It is also one of the most significant orders received from our automotive customers. Working in close cooperation, we used our technical knowledge and expertise to meet their very challenging requirements for a high performance design that meets their weight reduction goals. The robust technical solution that we have developed will be supplied to Volvo Car Corporation utilizing our global manufacturing footprint”, says Tryggve Sthen, President, SKF Automotive.

With SPA, Volvo Car Corporation is focusing on a lightweight automotive design with a goal to reduce the vehicle weight significantly, without negative impact on performance or comfort. The HBU3, optimized for reduced weight, includes high performance seals with reduced friction. This solution is robust and withstands more strain for increased reliability and prolonged life.

SKF offers a complete portfolio of products and services to the automotive industry that help reduce CO2 emissions, including the next generation of low-friction, lightweight solutions to reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency and compete in a rapidly changing market.

Source: SKF

ABB introduces innovative approach to optimize critical infrastructure

Leave a reply

Ventyx World event in San Francisco showcases new Asset Health Center solution that combines the strength of IT and OT to optimize performance and manage critical infrastructure like power grids

Zurich, Switzerland, June 12, 2013 – ABB, the world’s leading power and automation group, is presenting an innovative software solution, which helps utilities and industries to ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure like power transmission grids.

The new Asset Health Center (AHC) solution combines ABB’s power expertise and operational technologies (OT) such as transformers, circuit breakers and batteries installed in substations, with business enterprise IT (information technology) software from Ventyx to enable automation of processes, help manage critical assets more efficiently, prioritize maintenance and repair activities and facilitate a range of other activities to facilitate performance and reliability. This combination of reliability and economy supports cost-effective expansion of grids as they evolve to integrate renewable energy sources and new loads such as electric vehicles.

American Electric Power (AEP) recently announced plans to deploy AHC in all of its transmission substations across the country. AEP is one of the leading power utilities in the US with around 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity and a 39,000-mile electricity transmission network – the largest in the nation.

As increasing demands are placed on critical infrastructure, installations are being equipped with sophisticated sensors and communication devices to add intelligence and streamline operations. The data thus gathered helps operators to plan more effectively and contribute to both the reliability and efficiency of the systems they run. This helps enhance reliability and extend the life of the installations

By combining OT with IT applications, vast quantities of data from complex and often widely distributed installations can be translated into meaningful advice and trigger automated responses from business and operational systems. The acquisition of Ventyx brought to ABB enterprise software expertise that includes applications for optimization in asset-intensive operations, complementing ABB’s extensive expertise in power and automation technology for utilities and industrial customers.

The convergence of IT and OT pairs network control and process automation with communications and emerging big data technologies to enhance the reliability, safety and business performance of assets and systems across a range of industries. IT/OT convergence offers customers a unique, enterprise-wide view of their businesses, from the maintenance of their installed and mobile assets, through supply chain and workforce management.

“Software has become an essential component of the critical infrastructure we rely on in our daily lives, such as power grids and industry,” said Brice Koch, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “The addition of Ventyx’s enterprise software portfolio enables us to combine the strengths of information and operational technologies to help our customers optimize their assets and enhance business performance.”

Source: ABB

ContiTech Inaugurates Plant in Serbia

Leave a reply

Location supplies hoses lines for the European auto industry • Workforce to climb to 250 by year's end

After a construction time span of just nine months, Hanover-based ContiTech AG has inaugurated a production plant for hose lines in northern Serbia. Since October 2012, the plant has already been supplying customers in the auto industry. In the meantime, the site employs around 150. The head count is expected to climb to 250 by year's end.

ContiTech invested more than ten million euros in the new facility. Certified to all required quality standards, the plant expands the production capacity of hose line specialist ContiTech Fluid Technology, a ContiTech business group. Subotica assembles hose lines for the powertrain and supplies these to European automakers. Each year, the plant produces a grand total of 1.8 million units, broken down into around eighty different parts.

Subotica plant

Citing one of the location's major advantages, Matthias Schönberg, head of the ContiTech Fluid Technology business group notes: "Subotica offers an excellent logistical hookup to our customers. Further advantages are a local labor market that offers just what we need and close proximity to sister plants in Szeged, Hungary, and Timișoara, Romania."

There is enough room to eventually expand further on the plot in the bonded zone in the Mali Bajmok industrial park. The production hall originally erected there measures 7,200 square meters (77,500 sq. feet).

Subotica plant

ContiTech Fluid Technology produces hose line systems for the auto industry as well as for the plant and machine engineering, oil production and numerous other industries. In 2012, its over 14,000 employees realized €1,360 million in sales.

In 2009, ContiTech previously purchases the Serbian conveyor belt company Kolubara Univerzal and has since produced conveyor belts in Veliki Crljeni, south of Belgrade, for the Central and Eastern European market.

Source: Contitech

Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function shop_content_nav() in /home/powertra/public_html/wp-content/themes/shop/index.php:28 Stack trace: #0 /home/powertra/public_html/wp-includes/template-loader.php(106): include() #1 /home/powertra/public_html/wp-blog-header.php(19): require_once('/home/powertra/...') #2 /home/powertra/public_html/index.php(17): require('/home/powertra/...') #3 {main} thrown in /home/powertra/public_html/wp-content/themes/shop/index.php on line 28